Article

Identification of a sex-determining region in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using bulked segregant analysis

Details

Citation

Lee B, Penman D & Kocher TD (2003) Identification of a sex-determining region in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using bulked segregant analysis. Animal Genetics, 34 (5), pp. 379-383. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2052.2003.01035.x

Abstract
Sex determination in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is thought to be an XX-XY (male heterogametic) system controlled by a major gene. We searched for DNA markers linked to this major locus using bulked segregant analysis. Ten microsatellite markers belonging to linkage group 8 were found to be linked to phenotypic sex. The putative Y-chromosome alleles correctly predict the sex of 95% of male and female individuals in two families. Our results suggest a major sex-determining locus within a few centimorgans of markers UNH995 and UNH104. A third family from the same population showed no evidence for linkage of this region with phenotypic sex, indicating that additional genetic and/or environmental factors regulate sex determination in some families. These markers have immediate utility for studying the strength of different Y chromosome alleles, and for identifying broodstock carrying one or more copies of the Y haplotype.

Keywords
aquaculture; Oreochromis; sex chromosomes; sex linkage; tilapia

Journal
Animal Genetics: Volume 34, Issue 5

StatusPublished
Publication date31/10/2003
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
ISSN0268-9146